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property overview

Opened in 1932 as a luxury hotel for European visitors, the Alvear Palace continues to exude Belle Époque splendor.

The landmark Alvear Palace opened in 1932 as a luxury hotel for European visitors and continues to exude Belle Époque splendor. Located in the exclusive Recoleta neighborhood, which comprises elegant boulevards and leafy parks, the hotel has grand French-inspired public areas, with crystal chandeliers, velvet fauteuils and gilded-wood-paneled walls. Guest rooms, in Empire, Louis XV and Louis XVI styles, have butler service, fresh flowers and Hermès bath amenities. High tea, served in L’Orangerie, draws an elegant crowd. Upping the luxury quotient is the 8,600-square-foot Alvear Spa, a serene, light-filled space offering a range of wellness and beauty treatments, including the Radiant Treatment, designed by La Prairie especially for Alvear.

El Ateneo Grand Splendid

Best Restaurant for a Celebration

Frank’s

Don’t let the strange entrance policy (enter through a phone booth and give a secret code) put you off; this speakeasy has the best cocktails in BA. Arévalo 1445; (54-11) 4777-6541; www.franks-bar.com.

Best Restaurant Classic

La Brigada Beef

The baby beef is tender enough to cut with a spoon at this classic parrilla—and the waiters insist on doing just that. Estados Unidos 465, San Telmo; (54-11) 4361 4685; www.parrillalabrigada.com.ar.

Best One-Stop Shop

Manu Lizarralde

Best Newcomer

Museo del Bicentenario

Housed in the remains of the original Customs House, the museum celebrates 200 years of Argentine history (1810-2010) through audio-visual presentations.
Av. Paseo Colón 100; (54-11) 4344-3802; www.museo.gov.ar.

Best Cultural Secret

Palacio Barolo

See the view of Buenos Aires from the lighthouse at the top of Palacio Barolo. When it was completed in 1923, it was the tallest building in South America. Av. de Mayo 1370; (54-11) 4381-1885; www.pbarolo.com.ar.

Reading Suggestion

"Rayuela," by Julio Cortázar

Cortázar’s literary experiment first published in the 1960s is a prime example of Argentine literary trailblazing: the chapters can be read in any order.

Best Family Activity

Temaiken Zoo

Dozens of bright pink flamingos, a fountain that recreates the world floating on water and an incredible aquarium make this zoo a one-of-a-kind. Ruta 25 Km.1, Escobar; (54-34) 8843-6900; www.temaiken.com.ar.

Museum Must-See

The Fortabat Collection

This private collection has a vast array of paintings by masters like Turner and Klimt, along with some of the Argentinian greats such as Spilimbergo, Soldi & Fader and Olga Cossettini 141; (54-11) 4310-6600; www.coleccionfortabat.org.ar.

Best Family Activity

Tigre

Take a boat trip through the Paraná river delta before browsing the artisan wares of the Puerto de Frutos market in Tigre, a half-hour drive from central BA. www.tigre.gov.ar/turismo